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Volume 18 Issue 4

Written by Glenn on . Posted in Volume 18.

“Fertile Mules? A Cultural History and Modern Insights” This presents a cultural history of, attitudes towards, mules and their infertility from ~1500 BC. In the Roman empire mules were held in high esteem whereas in the Spanish empire they were connected to witchcraft. Occasional pregnancies were considered signs of pending disaster driven by demonic forces. In the middle-ages women wore amulets containing parts of or ate parts of a female mule as a means of contraception. An...

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Volume 18 Issue 3

Written by Glenn on . Posted in Volume 18.

Dogs in War and the 1914 – 1918 Conflict This records some of the history of the use of dogs in war particularly in the 1914-18 war. The roles and functions of dogs, both official and unofficial, are discussed. The author puzzles over the lack of official recognition by the British War Office of their use of dogs and their treatment of an outstanding dog trainer (Edwin Richardson). The contributions of two animal welfare organizations the RSPCA and the Blue Cross are...

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Volume 18 Issue 2

Written by Glenn on . Posted in Volume 18.

The War Memorial and Roll-of-Honour of the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies This is about the men of the R(D)SVS who gave their lives in wars of the 20th C.  War memorials and the memorial library at Summerhall, Edinburgh are described with a new list of ‘All those men who had tangible connection with the R(D)SVS and where death is perceived to have been related to their war services’. Sources are recorded and portrait photographs are included where...

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Volume 18 Issue 1

Written by Glenn on . Posted in Volume 18.

The Royal (Dick) Veterinary College Contingent of the Officers Training Corps   The Royal (Dick) Veterinary College Contingent of the Officers Training Corps was set up by Professor Ainsworth Wilson in 1912, and  it was a cavalry unit. In 1914 many members went to war and three were killed. It was resurrected in 1919 by Captain William McGregor Mitchell. Training included, lectures, parading, shooting and riding. Spring and Summer camps were highlights of the year. Culmination...

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